Russia Denies Ukraine Offensive Disrupted Peace Talks

Russia has denied reports that Ukraine's attack on the Kursk region disrupted Qatari-mediated ceasefire negotiations aimed at halting strikes on energy infrastructure. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated there were no such negotiations, contradicting claims made by The Washington Post. The Post reported that the incursion into Kursk was seen as an escalation, leading Russia to postpone, but not cancel, the talks. Ukrainian officials also indicated that the summit in Doha had been postponed due to the Middle Eastern situation and would occur via video conference. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of targeting civilian infrastructure, with the ongoing conflict causing significant damage and suffering. Failed past diplomatic efforts add to the complexity of reaching a resolution.